Welcome to the Eighth World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology and to the historical city of Bordeaux!

Abstract

This abstract issue you carry in your hands or on your computer (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.2016.27.issue-S1/issuetoc) summarizes the excellent scientific programme you are about to experience and will be a valuable reference of cutting edge studies in the field of veterinary dermatology for many years to come. Included are studies conducted in various animal species in the areas of genetics and genomics, immunology, skin biology, diagnosis, therapy and infectious diseases. These themes will be covered in six State of the Art and six Supporting Review lectures, 16 Supporting Original studies, 93 Free Communications and 134 Posters, reflecting the exceptional work that colleagues from all over the world are doing to advance the field of veterinary dermatology. In addition to this abstract issue, further efforts to preserve the memory of the Congress will result in two post-congress publications: a special issue of the Veterinary Dermatology journal, which will contain State of the Art, Supporting Review and Supporting Original Studies papers and, an electronic copy of the Advances in Veterinary Dermatology volume 8 book, which will contain the manuscripts published in the special issue in addition to the reports from the workshops. This electronic book will be available free of charge to the veterinary community in the Wiley-Blackwell online library, as an Open Access publication. It is important to acknowledge that the World Congress would not be possible without the support of corporate sponsors and for this we would like to express our sincere gratitude. Special recognition goes to our Principal (Bayer Animal Health, Ceva Corp, Elanco Animal Health, Hill's Pet Nutrition, ICF, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Royal Canin, Virbac, Zoetis, World Association for Veterinary Dermatology) and Major (Dechra Veterinary Products, Dermoscent, Merial, MSD Animal Health) sponsors. This Congress was the dream of our friend and colleague Dr. Didier-Noël Carlotti. Although he could not be with us, many of the wonderful social and professional events you will experience during the Congress were planned or envisioned by Didier. Let us take this unique opportunity to celebrate together Didier's passion for veterinary dermatology, good food, fine wine and, above all, the sincere friendships he valued! Lastly, the Ninth World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology will be held in Sydney, Australia in October 2020 and promises to be another memorable event. Enjoy each moment and every aspect of this notable Congress and do not forget to explore the city of Bordeaux and Aquitaine region of southwest France!